Henry IV

The Righteous King

By: Ian Mortimer

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

The talented, confident, and intelligent son of John of Gaunt, Henry IV started his reign as a popular and charismatic king after he dethroned the tyrannical and wildly unpopular Richard II. But six years into his reign, Henry had survived eight assassination and overthrow attempts.

Having broken God's law of primogeniture by overthrowing the man many people saw as the chosen king, Henry IV left himself vulnerable to challenges from powerful enemies about the validity of his reign. Even so, Henry managed to establish the new Lancastrian dynasty and a new rule of law - in highly turbulent times.

In this book, noted historian Ian Mortimer, author of The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan London, explores the political and social forces that transformed Henry IV from his nation's savior to its scourge.

©2014 Ian Mortimer (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[Mortimer] has an instinctive sympathy for the men about whom he writes, a real understanding of the mentalities of late medieval England, and a vivid historical imagination which lends colour and excitement to his pages" ( Literary Review)

Reads Like a Novel But With Lots More Info

Everything I’ve read or listened to from Ian Mortimer has been fantastic. He writes in a very accessible way—one can work the whole day, make dinner for the kids, then sit back and have a nice relaxing read. YET…somehow Mortimer packs loads of historical info and personal details about people who lived hundred of years ago. Henry IV is no exception. It’s an an amazing book that anyone who’s interested in history should read.

Henry IV is brought to life in a way that sometimes makes him feel like an old friend from college you haven’t seen in years. The reader learns about Henry’s ambitions & his fears & that the guy had a massive sweet tooth! Further, the world Henry inhabited is layered richly: family relations & tensions, politics, religion, economics, warfare—it’s all there. The book outlines the tragic relationship between King Richard & Henry before he was King & while obviously written from Henry’s perspective Mortimer makes the reader really feel for both men.

This book is both fun and educational. I really think any history buff will enjoy it!

Amazing

This book reveals both history and culture in the time of Richard II and Henry IV. Ian Mortimer questions history and presents thought forming insights to the events of this time.

You will never think of Henry IV the same way again.

I always thought the most interesting Henry IV was the French one (first Bourbon, changed religions the *opposite* way of the norm at the time, basically caused two kings to be murdered, himself and his predecessor) and the English one to be more of a transition figure between two very different eras. But turns out Bolingbroke was quite an admirable figure, one who challenged and changed the norms and paradigms of his time, and triumphed. It’s so curious and ironic, however, that what most greatly plagued the son and heir of John of Gaunt (one of the richest men in human history, when you adjust his wealth for inflation and other factors) was… an eternal lack of money.
I particularly enjoyed the investigative work, where Mortimer becomes a detective to analyze questions such as whether Henry had Richard II murdered, or why he decided to trace his claim to the throne back to Henry III instead of Edward III, why a sincerely pious and devotedly religious man would have a king murdered and a bishop executed, or when was it that he became so ill.
While the first two Henryses will remain as the most interesting ones, the IV one will most likely supplant his son the V, his fellow usurper the VII, or even the too-famous VIII in your estimation, after you finish this great biography.

Stumbling narration mars excellent book

The overt pauses between each phrase of more than 3-4 words is so jarring once you notice it’s hard to follow the excellent story. His voice is great but the phrasing is excruciating.

Excellent but lacks epilogue

Very detailed and well-researched. My only complaint: it doesn’t include an epilogue of what happened after his death. Should be something about his children, especially Henry V, what happened to England in the years following his death, etc.

A Great Bio for an Overlooked Monarch

I wanted to know more about the man that I didn't know much about! So if you want to learn about the only monarch that entered the city of Jerusalem. Or about a man driven so forcefully by duty that he overthrew his king then this is the book for you!

so great

What a story! I am learning so much about leadership by reading about these rulers. Their triumphs, mistakes, courage, relentlessness, and everyday commitment to rule justly by the standards of THEIR time (not ours) are truly inspirational. Henry, his father, his uncles, his grandfather and Edward I are really very remarkable men for their day. I thank the author for writing in a gripping way, and dissecting critical moments from various viewpoints, not just the protagonist’s. That technique truly illuminates all of the competing agendas and personalities at that juncture. Finally, the performance took a little getting used to, but grew to appreciate the cadence, especially when unfolding events got complicated. I can’t wait to visit Henry’s resting place to give thanks to standing up against a tyrant, laying the foundations of modern democracy.

Perfect 5 stars in all regards...almost

My only complaint is that every chapter opens with a quotation from Shakespeare. That is an annoying distraction in an otherwise excellent audiobook. In the book and Kindle versions I can painlessly skip over the Shakespeare nonsense. (The cover art of fanciful armor should be replaced with authentic field armor from the period.)

Detailed and compelling

Couldn't stop listening to this extraordinary story of a lesser known king. Very nicely read.

Total immersion history

Once again, Dr. Ian Mortimer delivers a powerful and instructive narrative historical account. Henry IV has been vilified throughout history, but Mortimer recounts his life in a most balanced way to show that particularly Shakespeare’s characterization is unfair. James Cameron Stewart gives careful and exceptional narration.